Local

Metro's $154M turnstile system faces criticism

LOS ANGELES - The Metropolitan Transportation Authority spent $154 million on a security system that isn't compatible for about half its light rail stations in Los Angeles County.

The system includes locking turnstiles and electronic payment cards for the train, light rail and bus systems. The goal was to save $13 million a year from non-paying passengers.

Workers finished installing 379 turnstile gates this month, but half the light rail stations can't accommodate them. In addition, some bus companies refuse to use the system and turnstiles won't work until more customers convert from paper tickets to plastic payment cards. A recent survey shows nearly 40 percent of Metro customers still don't have the cards.

MTA spokesman Marc Littman says the system will be fully implemented in a couple years.